Thinking of buying '69 F250 4x4 ... wadya think

[lbhgti]

I've been a chevy man all my life, and then I got tired of replacing transmissions. My current tow vehicle is a 05 tacoma, which does OK but I need a bigger truck. I turned wrenches for toyota for a few years and I like their product. Anyway, a buddy came by the shop the other day with a '69 F250 4x4, 360 4spd with 37"s on wagon wheels, and it looked pretty stout. I thought to myself...maybe I'll try a Ford. Its got some rot on the front lip of the hood, and a bit at the bottom of the doors, but otherwise it looked solid. Its got saddle tanks too. The paint sucks but the body is straight. I can pick it up for about $1200....and its' got a fresh motor in it as of about 2 years ago. I'd be piling about 800lbs of crap in the back and towing a 4000lb trailer, with trailer brakes. The truck won't be my daily driver, but more of a once a week hauler. I've been reading these forums the last couple of days and I need some clarification on a couple of things. I assume that this rig has the NP gearbox and Dana 60 axles. Am I right? Also, this is a 4 wheel manual drum brake truck. I know I can convert to power relatively easily, but how hard is it to convert to front discs.....or will the front drums be OK towing a trailer. Is there anything else major I need to look for on the truck before I throw down the cash? How will a 360 do towing....I've noticed that their isn't the performance parts selection for the FE motors like the 351s and 460s, but a swap isn't a problem...after all, I'm a mechanic.

[Blue Cloud]

Buy it, put a 460 in it, some LT238/85R16 tires on it and you'll never want a cheby again.

[Blue Cloud]

oops! LT235/85R16 tires

[lbhgti]

How do the 360s run....

[72hiboy4x4]

the way I hear it:
360 will out torque a 390, but the 390 will beat on HP.
the 360 is a good truck engine ie: low speed grunt and power to pull a house down. Just not the fastest thing you've ever driven.
390 will get you there faster and probably a little more enjoyable driving.
FWIW. I have a 360 in my truck now, and it pulls trees out by the roots (evidence in the front yard as we speak).
Eventually it will get replaced by a 390, cause I wanna use it in competition mud runs once in a while.
I don't think you will go wrong at that price at all. Get it and be happy forever.

as for the axles, it should have a Dana 44 front and a Dana 60 rear stock. Power drum brakes will do you just fine, they have been stopping my truck for the 8 years I've had it, and it used to pull the 16' car trailer.
With 37" tires, I'd make sure the gearing is where you want it, or it will take away your towing capacity. I'd guess in the way low 4's or hi 5's (like 5:38's)should be good.

[Clarko]

I wish I could have found a 4x4 when I was looking.
GET IT!

oops! LT235/85R16 tires

I bet the truck's lifted. Way too small for this truck. 235-85s are great for 2WDs though.

[Brett6269]

Welcome, the nice thing about older trucks is ya can modify, to the moon ,and not have to worry about the emission man, at inspection time!! brett

[460 crew]

I think it was meant to be for you and you should pick it up and never look back. Fords are tough trucks and a 4x4 to boot. Like 72Hiboy said check out the rear axle tag and make sure it's at least a set of 4.10's or higher because of those 37's you'll get some nice mileage on the Cali freeways and takeoffs should be ok still with a 435 granny 1st. A stock 360 should pull your load with ease. my experience is the fe's like to make bottom end and mid power but the upper valvetrain doesn't like polonged top end abuse or you can follow along behind with a milk crate to gather your spare parts. So I vote s yes even if you need to make a gear changed down the road if it doesn't work perfect for you.

[lazyj70]

Get a FORD! NOW!

[flyboy2610]

Welocme aboard! Definitely get the truck!

[CJ,s 67 F100]

That 360 will do the job you want it to do just fine and the front drums will be fine as well for your week end hauler with 800 in the bed and a 4k trailer. If you need more power just drop your tire size to the original specs. The upgrades are fun (390 and discs) but not needed. Good luck with it and welcome aboard

[foghorn]

Well ill be the first okie to say yo and also you already know that


foggy

[hossw71SportC.]

Go for it man.

oh and

[71 LONG BED]

$1200? Your crazy if you let it go. After you buy it you'll have a great suport group to help out with all your questions.

[Dropped 68]

Welcome!